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HAPCO founder asks Ocoee commission to back expanded jazz festival and youth programs
Summary
Joseph McMullen told the City of Ocoee commission that HAPCO Music Foundation has served more than 30,000 young people through music education and asked the city to consider initial support—about $25,000—to bring a Grammy‑nominated act as part of a free festival tied to ongoing educational programming.
Joseph McMullen, founder of HAPCO Music Foundation, asked the City of Ocoee commission to continue supporting the organization’s music‑education work and to consider initial city backing for the HAPCO Jazz Fest. McMullen said the foundation has assisted "over 30,000 youth" through master classes, clinics and scholarships and that concert presentations are the culmination of a longer educational program.
McMullen described university partnerships and said professional musicians have selected students from HAPCO clinics for further opportunities. "Our main focus is building futures through music, art, and education," he said, and he requested an initial city contribution—roughly $25,000—to help secure a Grammy‑nominated performer in 2027 and expand marketing and production while keeping the event free to the public.
Mayor Johnson thanked McMullen and said the request would be considered during the city’s budget process. Finance discussion about budget timing followed later in the meeting; staff indicated budget workshops and hearings will address such requests.
